Boliviaaa!

I´m here!!

So much to say... it feels like I´ve been here much longer than a week.

I´m going to try and get an email update out with logistical information-y things this week, but I thought I would just update to blog world... I have lots of quotes, random stories, and thoughts floating around my head that normally I would post on my blog but I felt like I couldn´t til I did an official I ARRIVED IN BOLIVIA update. Just my compartmentalizing side...

So yes I´m here!
I really like my host family. The kids are cute and call me hermana mayor (big sister)... except for when they call me gringa and laugh :). I have my own cozy room, although the kids enjoy coming in any time I retire to it for more than three minutes, but I love that.

I´m still figuring out what I´m supposed to be doing/will be doing at work, but I really like all the people!

I took public transportation by myself for the first time last night (home from work- don´t worry Mom, it was still daylight!! :-)) and to work this morning. I felt VERY proud of myself as the thought of trying to navigate the crazy system was enough to have me almost in tears the first couple days. There are a bunch of official cars called "Trufees" which have numbers on them indicating what route they take. You flag down the one which is going your route, and then just tell the driver where to stop when you get there. It requires knowing exactly where you´re going, speaking some Spanish, and not minding insane drivers, all of which freak me out somewhat, but so far so good!

The food is delicious but SO MUCH. I am glad I ordered my bridesmaid dress for Laura´s wedding in Jan a size too big!

Spanish is not as overwhelming as I thought it would be, and so far I´´m actually having fun with that... I think it helps that a lot of people speak English at work, even tho I feel slightly guilty about using it.

Homesickness has not been as overwhelming as I thought it would be either, but I predict that will come. Looking at pictures of people the other night almost made me cry.

Thank you for praying for me!!! I miss all ofyou!! I will write more soon :)

Looooooooove
your bolivia daughter/sister/cousin/roommate/friendddd